Shohei Ohtani ‘will get record offer from the Mets next winter’
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‘The Mets will make Shohei Ohtani the highest-paid player ever, whether he plays in New York or not’: Billionaire club owner Steve Cohen expected to offer Angels star a record deal’ and if someone can overcome it, go ahead’
Shohei Ohtani is on the verge of becoming the highest-paid athlete in the world with the help of the New York Mets, who may not even sign the two-way sensation when he becomes a free agent next winter.
Ohtani is set to make $30 million this season before becoming a free agent after the 2023 season, when he is expected to land one of the biggest contracts in sports history due to his status as one of the best hitters and baseball pitchers.
The Mets have no guarantee Ohtani will sign in Queens. In fact, all indications are that he prefers the West Coast and his proximity to his native Japan. But that won’t stop billionaire owner Steve Cohen from making the best offer of him, and if another team can outbid him, they’ll be more than welcome.
“The Mets are going to make Ohtani the highest-paid player in sports history, whether he plays for the Mets or not, because the offer is going to be insane,” a Mets source told The New York Post’s Jon Heyman. ‘And if someone else wants to beat him, go ahead.’
Shohei Ohtani is on the verge of becoming the highest-paid athlete in the world with the help of the New York Mets, who may not even sign the two-way sensation when he becomes a free agent next winter.
The Mets have no guarantee Ohtani will sign in Queens. In fact, all indications are that he prefers the West Coast and his proximity to his native Japan. But that won’t stop billionaire owner Steve Cohen (pictured) from making the best offer of him, and if another team can outbid him, they’ll be more than welcome.
That’s not to say Cohen is obsessed with Ohtani these days. He recently splurged on free agents like pitcher Justin Verlander (two years, $86.6 million) and Japanese pitcher Kodai Senga (five years, $75 million), and is estimated to spend $382 million in payroll by 2023 with a record luxury tax. of $109 million. bill.
He nearly spent more than that, too, before infielder Carlos Correa’s $315 million, 11-year contract fell apart because of physical issues.
In any case, Cohen’s mind, and his wallet, is on 2023.
“It’s hard to think about next year,” Cohen told Heyman via text message. “I’m focused on this season.”
But when the 2023 season ends, Cohen is still expected to be among several owners looking for Ohtani, along with a bevy of Pacific Coast teams including the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres.
Heyman warns Mets fans that even Cohen’s bank account has its limits, and an average annual salary of $50 million could draw a hefty penalty from MLB’s luxury taxes. Given the Mets’ status as repeat offenders, passing the luxury tax threshold in 2022 and 2023, they would be charged a 110 percent fee as a third-time taxpayer in 2024.
In other words: If Ohtani were to earn $50 million a season, his deal could cost the Mets $105 million in 2024 with the possibility of higher penalties down the road.
Ohtani tapped into an additional revenue stream Tuesday with his new endorsement deal with New Balance. He recently ended his association with Asics after eight years with the company.
His first shoe with New Balance will be a limited-edition 574 cleat that drops next month.